Elmhurst Hospital seeks new dogs for therapy program

Elmhurst Hospital is seeking more dogs for its animal-assisted therapy program. Teams of dogs and handlers have made nearly 11,000 patient visits since the program began in 2012.

ELMHURST – Elmhurst Hospital is seeking more dogs for its animal-assisted therapy program.

To be considered, dogs must meet the following requirements: sit, stay and more on command, walk loosely on a leash without pulling, get along well with other dogs, perform required commands without treats, like people, not be overly vocal, be at least 1 year old at time of testing, have lived with the handler for at least six months at time of testing, be current on all vaccinations and be free of skin problems, according to an Elmhurst Hospital news release.

Prong collars, gentle leaders, harnesses and retractable leashes are not accepted, and handlers must be at least 18 years old, the release stated. Handlers and their dogs are encouraged to have completed a group obedience training class within the past year.

Dogs that meet qualification requirements will be scheduled for temperament testing March 7 or 8 within a two-hour time slot between 4 and 9 p.m. at the Edward Sleep Center, 27555 Diehl Road, Warrenville.

Dogs and their handlers selected for the program must attend training from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 4 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14 and 15 at Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst.